TICIEC Chapter 29.1

Several stories unfold, each with its own tale.

Wen Baolin, being of the lowest rank, lived in the most remote palace. But being taken out by the Emperor filled her with anticipation, and she was secretly eager to vie for his favor.

“Baolin, His Majesty went hunting with Zhuang Fei early this morning, and I heard that Ning Meiren stayed with him later…”

The maid reported the news she had gathered.

Wen Baolin’s heart sank.

His Majesty had Zhuang Fei by his side during the day, and that vixen Ning Wanyin at night…

When would she ever have a chance to serve the Emperor?!

“Zhuang Fei is one thing, but Ning Wanyin actually lives with His Majesty! How dare she be so shameless as to hook up with His Majesty and not give anyone else a chance!” Wen Baolin was furious.

She had been in the palace for a month and had not yet been able to serve the Emperor. She couldn’t even lift her head in shame.

As the master and servant were talking, the eunuch who had led the way came in to report, “Wen Baolin, Vice Minister Wen has arrived!”

“Quickly, please invite Father in!” Wen Baolin said happily.

Wen Baolin dismissed the unnecessary palace servants, leaving only her personal maid, and looked at Vice Minister Wen anxiously, saying, “Father, I am out of favor in the palace. You must help me!”

With a stern expression, Vice Minister Wen rebuked, “How could you become so close to Cen Jieyu?”

“Didn’t Father teach this daughter that after entering the palace, I should not be jealous or quarrelsome, but rather make many good connections?” Wen Baolin asked in confusion.

“That’s to encourage you to associate with the likes of Song Meiren and other members of the virtuous and upright faction, so you won’t be left alone in the palace.” Vice Minister Wen said, exasperated.

“Our Wen family has never been associated with the Xue and Cen factions. Do I really need to remind you of that?”

Wen Baolin didn’t think that she had done anything wrong, so she argued confidently, “I know His Majesty and the Empress Dowager are at odds. His Majesty appointed Shu Fei to manage the six palaces to use the Cen family to counterbalance the Empress Dowager. By helping the Cen family deal with the Xue family, I am also sharing His Majesty’s burden!”

“You’re too clever for your own good! The Emperor’s mind is unfathomable. How dare you guess His Majesty’s plans? You think you’re sharing His Majesty’s burdens, so why does His Majesty treat you coldly?” Vice Minister Wen retorted.

Wen Baolin was speechless for a moment.

“Take a look at Ning Meiren, who is currently the most favored concubine in the palace. What did she do?” Vice Minister Wen said with sharp eyes.

“She didn’t give a face to either the Xue or Cen families. She stepped on them to become the Emperor’s favorite concubine.”

Wen Baolin was completely stunned, as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sun.

“Father means… Ning Wanyin is favored because she didn’t side with the two dukes…”

“The harem cannot be solely controlled by the Xue and Cen families. His Majesty needs some of his own people.” Vice Minister Wen reminded her.

Wen Baolin finally realized what was happening.

“This daughter understands! This daughter will definitely sever all ties with the Cen family!”

“It’s good that you’ve figured it out. Don’t worry, since His Majesty brought you to the summer hunt, he hasn’t completely abandoned you. You just need to patiently wait for the right opportunity. By the way, you can make more friends with Ning Wanyin when you have time. It will greatly benefit you!”

Wen Baolin nodded and said, “This daughter understands. His Majesty currently favors Ning Wanyin, so it would be unwise for me to offend her in the competition for favor. Don’t worry, I will definitely cultivate a good relationship with her.”

If she had to sever ties with both the Xue and Cen’s powerful factions, then Ning Wanyin would be the only one left in the palace she could potentially utilize.

…

Song Meiren, who lived in the neighboring palace, also met her parents and brother.

Her father, Song Gu, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, is the Emperor’s right-hand man.

His elder brother, Song Chengyi, born of the same mother, is handsome and dashing. Last month, during the spring imperial examination, he was personally selected by His Majesty as the third-ranked scholar.

Both father and son of the Song family are favored ministers of the Emperor. Although the Emperor rarely saw Song Meiren, he still bestowed many gifts upon her, making her a favorite among the newly rising stars.

 

 

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